Post Doctoral Research Associate– Biomedical Engineering

Salary:
$48,000 per year
Benefits: Generous
benefits include paid time off including holidays and vacation, retirement
match, and tuition remission for employee and dependents.  Details at
Location: Biomedical Engineering
Position Status: Full-time (Grant funded
Hours:
    Varied
Position Number: /
FLSA Status: Exempt
POSITION SUMMARY:
Biomedical Microdevices
Lab (BML) is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral research associate to
contribute to a cutting-edge project focused on studying intra- and
intercellular mechanotransduction. The successful candidate will play a crucial
role in developing and employing a novel microfluidic platform to study the
transmission of mechanical signals between cells, specifically from cell-cell
junctions to the nucleus, at the single cell level. Through this project, we
aim to gain a deeper understanding of how mechanical forces influence nuclear
organization and gene expression, with potential applications in various
physiological and disease contexts.
This
postdoctoral research position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to
a novel area of mechanobiology research, providing a deeper understanding of
cellular responses to mechanical stimuli and their implications in disease
pathogenesis. The successful candidate will benefit from a structured training
environment and international collaborative opportunities. We are committed to
promoting a nurturing environment and encourage applications from researchers
of all backgrounds.
The initial
appointment is for one year, with the possibility of extension based on
performance. Note: This is a grant funded position.
DUTIES
AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Microfluidic Platform Development: The Postdoctoral
Research Associate will be responsible for contributing to the development and
optimization of a high-throughput mechanotransduction microfluidic platform.
This will involve designing and fabricating the microfluidic devices,
integrating live cell imaging capabilities, and ensuring precise control of
mechanical forces applied to the cells within the platform.
Mechanical Stimulation Experiments: The Postdoctoral
Research Associate will conduct experiments to apply flow-induced and
physiologically relevant mechanical forces to single cells and cell pairs using
the developed microfluidic platform.
Live Cell Imaging and Analysis: The candidate will
perform real-time imaging of cellular responses to mechanical forces and
analyze the data to understand the impact of these forces.
Collaboration and Communication: The Postdoctoral
Research Associate will collaborate with other members of the research team and
interact with collaborators in United Kingdom.
Dissemination: The candidate will present research
findings at conferences and prepare manuscripts for publication in scientific
journals.
Mentoring and Outreach: The candidate will have the
opportunity to mentor graduate & undergraduate researchers involved in the
project and participate in outreach activities.
Completes other
duties as assigned.
About
Duquesne University
Duquesne
University is a top-tier Catholic university located in the heart of
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As a Carnegie R2 institution, Duquesne fosters a
vibrant research environment while maintaining a strong commitment to teaching
and community engagement. The university offers state-of-the-art research
facilities and a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment across natural
sciences, engineering, and health sciences.
Consistently
ranked among the most livable cities in the United States, Pittsburgh is a
vibrant and affordable city with a thriving innovation ecosystem, world-class
medical centers, and a strong academic presence. Home to renowned universities
and a growing number of biotech startups, the city also offers a rich cultural
scene and abundant green spaces—making it an ideal environment for early-career
scholars.

REQUIREMENTS:
Minimum qualifications:
Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering,
Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biophysics, Physics, Cell
Biology, or a related field from an accredited institution.
Strong background in experimental research,
microfluidics, and microscopy techniques.
Expertise in mechanobiology, cell-cell interactions,
and cellular signaling pathways is desirable.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills to
work effectively within a multidisciplinary team and with external
collaborators.
A proven track record of scientific productivity,
evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Alternately, the successful candidate may possess any equivalent combination of
experience and training, which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities
required to perform the essential job functions. This includes, but is not
limited to, the following: 
Ability to
establish and maintain effective working relationships with the University
Community.
Ability and willingness to contribute actively to the mission of the University
and to respect the Spiritan Catholic identity of Duquesne University.  The
mission is implemented through a commitment to academic excellence, a spirit of
service, moral and spiritual values, sensitivity to world concerns, and an
ecumenical campus community.
APPLICATION
INSTRUCTIONS:
Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information
for three professional references.
Review of
applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is
filled. Preference will be given to candidates who are available to start by
January 2026.
Duquesne
University was founded in 1878 by its sponsoring religious community, the
Congregation of the Holy Spirit.  Duquesne University is Catholic in
mission and ecumenical in spirit.  Motivated by its Catholic identity,
Duquesne values equality of opportunity both as an educational institution and
as an employer.